Kings Island: Opening date for WindSeeker yet to be confirmed

Kings Island has revealed that it hopes to open its new WindSeeker attraction as soon as possible, but weather conditions have prevented it from completing the testing process.

The park opened for the 2011 season on Saturday, April 30, but WindSeeker is not yet operational. The 301-feet-tall ride will see guests swinging in circles around a central tower, in a vertigo-inducing variation on the classic "Chair-O-Plane" attraction. However, the ride's height has meant that severe weather conditions have impacted on Kings Island's ability to test it thoroughly.

Cincinnati.com quotes King Island spokesman Don Helbig as saying of the delay: "The weather this month, with the record rainfall, severe weather and wind conditions, are contributing factors." Visitors to the park on its opening day have claimed they were told the ride should open during the next few weeks, if conditions are favorable.

WindSeeker rides are opening at several Cedar Fair parks in 2011, including Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm. Riders on the attractions will reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour but will still have time to take in panoramic views of the parks and beyond.

At Kings Island, WindSeeker will be located in the Coney Mall area close to the exit of the Vortex rollercoaster. THe park claims that visibility from the top of the ride will be some eighteen miles on a clear day, and decorative lighting will make the attraction a notable landmark for drivers on Interstate 71.

You can keep up to date with the latest confirmed and rumored opening dates for new attractions through Theme Park Tourist's "New Attraction Watch" section, and by signing up for our weekly newsletter.

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